Villa Lulito

As you approach Villa Lulito via the sophisticated shopping and dining enclave of Oberoi, rubbing shoulders with iconic Bali landmarks including the super-cool Ku De Ta and the elegant hotel after which the area is named, it is obvious that the villa can lay claim to an exclusive and coveted location. And once beyond the threshold of this luxurious villa oasis, Australian interior designer Stuart Membery’s tribute to Ralph Lauren’s polished Caribbean style is also pleasingly obvious: everything from the beautifully hand-rendered walls along the drive and the majestic custom-made Aegean blue doorway, to the soft-cushioned rattan chairs, white shutters and maritime motifs coupled with exposed timber beam ceilings and hurricane lamps, evokes refined empire. Think Montego Bay meets Bali.

Families, couples or friends will adore soaking up the charm of this 2011-built residence, which has four generous ensuite bedrooms, including a delightful kids room with four bunks and the option to add another king-size bed (extra charge), and plenty of living space. Two bedrooms flank the villa’s double entranceway and face the pool, while above them two more suites open onto a long balcony overlooking the azure water, which is lit at night by neon blue lights creating a mesmerising aquatic art piece. Relax into one of several comfortable living rooms that meander through the pavilions and include a quiet alcove with plush sofas for watching TV, perusing the library, listening to music or enjoying an aperitif. Landscape gardener Bruce Johnson created a kaleidoscope of tropical gardens that fringe the pavilions.

A dedicated staff team provides five-star service and expertly prepare gourmet delights to be served in one of three dining areas from casual in the gleaming kitchen to a timelessly set table for eight in the formal dining room. Everything is at your fingertips, including massage beds that are just waiting for a therapist to be called to deliver expert treatments.

Step outside and you are at the centre of Bali’s best shopping district, with hip cafes, fabulous nightclubs and fine restaurants to choose from. One of the island’s most important Hindu temples and glorious Seminyak beach are just a stroll away. Breathe in the sea air and get your holiday rocking from this perfectly placed villa.

VILLA LAYOUT

Villa Lulito’s double entranceway opens to a reception flanked by two bedrooms and sets the stage for the grand colonial open living room across the glittering pool. Above the entrance two further bedrooms are reached via a long breezy balcony. Wander along the poolside to the fully equipped kitchen pavilion – a wonderful place for a casual breakfast. Adjacent is an alfresco dining area that leads to the main living pavilion with its polished formal dining space, chic and comfortable sitting room plus an entertainment zone. At the far end of the pool is a graceful garden pavilion with daybeds and decorative touches creating beautiful tableaus everywhere the gaze falls.

LIVING AREAS

Three open-fronted colonial-style living pavilions overlook the pool at the heart of Villa Lulito. The fan cooled kitchen and casual dining pavilion is light and airy and home to a breakfast table for eight people and a comfortable lounge with a large coffee table.

An alfresco dining table in a corner of the tropical garden makes the perfect venue for a barbecue lunch beneath lush palms. Sun loungers circle the 15-metre pool on three sides and a basket of pool toys will keep the children happy. The stunning white garden pavilion sings a song to lure you onto its plush daybeds. Immerse yourself in this uber-chic chill zone for a languid afternoon nap while the whispering overhead fans keep the heat at bay.

The main event is the grand living pavilion; home to a formal dining area for eight people. The Bose sound system will fill the air with musical accompaniment as you sink into the softly cushioned sofas and admire the historic prints that grace the walls.

BEDROOMS

A two-storey pavilion houses all four ensuite, air-conditioned and fan-cooled bedrooms at Villa Lulito – two at pool level and two on the floor above, accessed from a long, white, covered balcony. Plantation shutters, rattan trunks and lush potted palms create a serene environment that is perfect for holiday downtime.

- Master suite
The upper-floor master suite is furnished with a luxurious, netted, four-poster king-size bed with internal LED reading lights and feather-light linen. A soft chair provides a quiet corner to take in the view of the pool or watch a DVD in privacy, and a freestanding bathtub features in the adjoining air-conditioned bathroom that’s also fitted with a separate shower. This room easily converts to a family suite by sliding open the double doors in the dressing area to connect with the adjacent children’s room.

- Children’s room
All in white, four netted, custom-made bunk beds bedeck an entire wall of this gorgeous room, which also offers the option of an additional king-size bed (on request and at extra charge). Draws, shelves, ladders and bags of space create a fabulous play area for little ones to safely enjoy. Fun touches include brightly coloured cushions, plush dinosaur laundry baskets and packed bookshelves. The adjacent bathroom has a separate shower and WC plus child steps for the sink and vanity.

- Guest bedrooms
These mirror image ground-level bedrooms capture the essence of the colonies with large rattan and leather travel trunks set at the base of bamboo four-poster king-size beds. Crisp white finishes create a gentle ambiance and high levels of comfort. Ensuite bathrooms with large round mirrors and rain showers complete the scene. Double doors open directly onto the terrace by the pool with scattered loungers and comfortable cushioned chairs at the ready for total relaxation.

STAFF

Villa Lulito’s staff team is expertly and professionally trained to provide a frustration-free holiday environment where guests can lie back, relax and enjoy time-honoured friendly Balinese hospitality. Being looked after by excellent staff that understand and anticipate your requirements – sometimes even before you do – is one of the greatest joys of staying at Villa Lulito.

- Villa manager
Villa Lulito’s manager is responsible for the overall operation of the villa. His job is to oversee and coordinate the staff and property and to assist guests during their stay.

- Chef
A private chef is trained in Western and Asian cuisine and handles the market shopping and preparation of all in-villa dining. Order from the villa menu or plan meals directly with the chef for a unique culinary experience. Special diet requirements will be carefully catered to.

- Butlers
Butlers take care of daily housekeeping and domestic duties and wait on guests at meal times.

- Garden and pool
Gardeners and pool maintenance handle regular upkeep of the villa’s pool and grounds.

- Security
Villa Lulito has dedicated security staff working 24 hours a day on rotating shifts.

DINING

Dining at Villa Lulito is in the expert hands of a private chef and assistant cook from breakfast to dinner time.

A suggestion menu of restaurant-quality Asian and Western meals caters to all tastes and offers a range of vegetarian and children’s options. Traditional Balinese and Indonesian dishes can be tailored to your tastebuds, from mild and mellow to hot and spicy.

The team will also prepare cuisine to respect religious, medical and other dietary restrictions. Don’t miss the divine nasi campur that showcases several of Bali’s most loved culinary treats, the tasty vegetable and shredded coconut salad called urab, or the irresistible dessert of pancakes stuffed with palm sugar and coconut morsels.

Villa Lulito is known for its chef’s excellent barbecues, which use the highest quality meats and seafood acquired daily from the freshest local sources.

Groceries and beverages are charged at market price (plus a 20% handling fee which is subject to service and tax at the prevailing rate). Guests are requested to provide cash for groceries in advance, and the staff will keep the receipts for reference. To fully enjoy the kitchen, aim to plan your meals a day ahead.

FAMILIES AT VILLA LULITO

Holidaying in a villa that’s as family friendly as Lulito is a dream come true. The freedom to wake, dine and play when mood – or hunger – strikes without being chained to resort kitchen, bar or pool opening hours is just one of the bonuses. Kids are free to play within the safe confines of the villa without parents having to worry about them disturbing other guests.

The Balinese are known for their love of children and extended families, and staff at Villa Lulito will greet kids and grannies alike with open hearts and experienced practical hands. Endless snacks, cut fruit, cold drinks, afternoon tea and even specially baked treats will be delivered from the fully equipped kitchen (which guests are also welcome to use themselves if they wish to prepare food for babies or extra-fussy toddlers – although the kitchen staff will be happy to take this on).

As well as the gorgeous double bunkroom which kids are bound to love, Villa Lulito is packed with games, books and pool toys. There is an excellent DVD library for the little ones and a baby cot is also at the ready. If you need other items of children’s equipment let us know beforehand and they can be arranged for your arrival.

Villa Lulito is only a short stroll from the sweeping sands of Seminyak beach and is dangerously close to one of Bali’s most celebrated ice-cream cafes.